The treatment of lateral clavicle fractures

This study assesses the results of surgical treatment of 15 displaced Neer type II fractures of the lateral clavicle in 15 patients, which occurred between November 1988 and March 1995 and which were followed up for a mean period of 4.6 years (range 2–9 years). The patients fell into two groups, one ‘acute group’ and one ‘non-union’ group. Patients treated initially by a non-operative approach had suffered prolonged morbidity and time off work prior to and after surgery. The ultimate result was good. The fixation used was a Dacron arterial graft as a sling around the clavicle and coracoid process. Delayed (non-union) cases were augmented with bone graft and inter-fragmentary screw fixation. All fractures eventually united. We question the place of prolonged non-operative management in the treatment of displaced Neer type II fractures of the lateral clavicle.